What Happened? 2013 Headline News

Another year has passed with a mixed bag of events.

Depraved individuals

3 women were saved from a house in Cleveland after being imprisoned for more than a decade. The women had been kidnapped by a Ariel Castro who had repeatedly raped and abused the women. Later in the year Ariel Castro was found dead in his prison cell. Reports indicate that he had hung himself later being classified as a "sex act" gone wrong.

A former neighbour of Ariel Castro has admitted to numerous rapes and murders committed 2 decades ago. He has been sentenced to 445 years imprisonment with no chance of parole.

British soldier Lee Rigby was hacked to death after being hit by a car by his two assailants. The two responsible stood around talking to those gathered trying to excuse their cowardly actions.

Loss of lives

Militants attacked a mall in Kenya killing anyone in their way. The Kenyan military arrived on the scene and besieged the mall finally killing the remaining terrorists.

The UN investigated allegations of chemical weapons use by Syrian leader, Assad. An agreement was reached to destroy all chemical weapons.

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing wide spread destruction with an estimated 10 000 people killed and more displaced.

Tornado's ravaged the United States over the course of the year with multiple tornado's killing people.

A New York City commuter train derailed killing 4 people injuring 60 when it ignored speed warnings.

Governments unrestrained

Fear spread earlier in the year when an earthquake in North Korea looked to be caused by nuclear testing. North Korea continued it's Sabre rattling putting rockets on standby after US stealth bombers where detected raising fears of war.

More revelations revealed the extent to which the NSA had spied on foreign nations. Many nations were outraged and approached the UN for a resolution.

Toronto mayor Rob Ford made headlines when he finally admitted to smoking crack cocaine but refused to step down.

The US nearly came undone when political posturing resulted in a shutdown raising concerns overs America's global standing.

Loss of a legend

The year ended on a sad note with the passing of Nelson Mandela. Madiba passed away at the age of 95 with leaders from around the world paying their respects.

Section Summaries

For more stories in specific sections of the news please read the following posts...

Business News from 2013

Sports News from 2013

Entertainment News from 2013

Technology News from 2013

Style News from 2013

Who's in the news? Nelson Mandela

Former South African president Nelson Mandela will be laid to rest this week with mourners from around the world paying their respect.

End of a legacy

On 5 December 2013 the world lost a true leader with the announcement of his passing after a long period if illness.

Words of appreciation

Many dignitaries paid their respect from around the world with over 70 making the journey to his memorial. His memorial spanned both the political and social divides with stadiums fulled to capacity during a rainy, somber day.

Communication error

During the memorial a slight incident occurred when the sign language interpreter apparently had a Schizophrenic attack resulting in him making no sense to anyone trying to follow, some going so far as to call him a fake.

Current leadership

While many leaders paid their respects with kind words and were welcomed by the crowd current South African president, Jacob Zuma, was booed by a frustrated South Africa tired of corruption under his leadership.

Body on display

For 3 days Madiba's body was on display at the Union Buildings where he had been sworn in as the first black president. His body was transported daily from 1 Military Hospital through streets lined with mourners. Lines carried on for miles with mourners patiently waiting their turn to view Madiba at peace.

Burial

On Sunday the 15 December Madiba's body will be laid to rest in Qunu, Eastern Cape where he was born and raised.

Tragedies and a second chance

It's been a week of tragedy with lives lost but a second chance for one lucky soul.

Nelson Mandela remembered

Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 95. Tributes have poured in from around the world in honour of a man who's legacy has forever changed a nation. As a South African I would like to thank him for everything he did.

NYC commuter train derailed

A New York City commuter train derailed killing 4 people injuring another 60. It is believed that speed played an important part in the accident when the train was recorded as traveling at 82 mph in a 30 mph section of track.

Paul Walker car crash

Hollywood actor Paul Walker died when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a poll and burst into flames killing Paul and the driver. Paul leaves behind a 17 year old daughter, Meadow.

Scottish police helicopter crash

A police helicopter crashed into a pub in Scotland killing 9 people, including the pilot and police on board the helicopter, and injuring 32 in the pub. Authorities have removed the wreckage to try determine why the helicopter crashed.

Ship salvage turns into rescue

A salvage team found a survivor after a ship went down with 12 men on board. The survivor, the ships cook, survived for 3 days with no water or food in an air pocket.